How To Choose The Right Neighborhood In the Bay Area
If you’re looking for a home around the San Francisco Bay Area, picking the most suitable neighborhood for you and your family may seem tricky, especially if you’re moving in from out of town. While every neighborhood is unique regardless of how similar they may seem, you have to do all you can to figure out the right one for you and your family.
So what exactly should you consider before making up your mind? There are several metrics that can point you in the right direction so you won’t end up in a neighborhood that doesn’t match your lifestyle, business, etc.
Metrics To Consider Before Picking A Neighborhood
Start with what you want
Start by asking yourself what you really want in a neighborhood. If you have school-age kids, odds are you want a neighborhood with a highly-rated school district. Other things you may consider include your preference between these;
- Walking to amenities?
- Older neighborhood or a newer development?
- Trees and parks?
- Quiet streets or a busier, active area?
- Tight-knit community or anonymity?
- Close proximity to shopping and restaurants?
Once you have a checklist of what you want in your ideal neighborhood, let’s see the key factors you should consider;
Crime rates
A safe neighborhood is a peaceful one. One of the easiest resources you can use to research crime rates is the internet. You can search online by typing search statistics of name of neighborhood. Several results will pop up on the search engine result page. Some will be very detailed while others will be scanty. Regardless of the amount of information, you’ll find useful data you can use to make an informed decision.
Reach out to the local department
The local police department is perhaps the most reliable source of crime stats in any neighborhood around the bay area. The police department will provide details of any neighborhood on your shortlist.
Drive around the neighborhood
When you drive around the area look for tell-tale signs that indicate a high crime rates. Lookout for signs of vandalism, broken windows, empty shops, graffiti. Look closely if homes have homes have strong deterrents; “Beware of Dog” signs or high fences or bars on accessible windows?
Commuting time
You’ll have to consider how long it will take you to drive to work and back. Will you enjoy the ride with or against traffic? What about public transportation? Is it fast enough to get you to work and back at the right time? Find out all you can about commute time before you make up your mind.
Schools
If you have school-age kids, then schools should be among the top things on your checklist. Find out if the neighborhood you’re considering is in a highly rated school district. You may have to pay more for a home in such areas. But when it’s time to sell, you’ll also sell the home at a higher price.
Current value of housing in the area
Find out about the current value of properties in the area and ask around about the values five to ten years earlier. Is the market rising or falling? Are people moving in or moving out? Are there any new development in recent years or are there signs of any in the near future? All of these will give you a clear picture of the real estate market before you move in.
Future development
Some future development can transform a neighborhood completely. Some of such developments can spike taxes, traffic, crime rates etc. Also, some future development leads to increase in home values, better business opportunities, faster commuting time etc.
Property taxes
Find out what the current tax rate is and how much the property taxes has increased in the last 5 years. Ask around from real estate agents or the city if there are any expected increase anytime soon and how much you may end up paying in 5 years. Consider all of these as you draw up your moving budget.
Bottom line
The most important item on your checklist should be the most important feature you need in a neighborhood to make it livable and comfortable for you and your family. So consider what you really need first before considering the add-ons.